Chapter 20

Jack was looking over his notes to double check the measurements he took earlier. The machine in question was a something that was mandatory for any Fabricator.

A large steam powered hammer.

There were shaping drills, extenders, hydro-presses, forge blowers and or course engravers. But the power hammer was, in Jack’s opinion was nothing short or revolutionary for fabricators. In terms rapid production without sacrificing quality, it was a must have for any fabricator that needed to do either bulk orders or conduct rush orders.

Jack took a step back and looked over the device. Taking a moment to appreciate the machine for what it was. All in all, it is a simple machine bit it was the simplicity of its design that made it so tricky to use. It had a large rectangular body with a piston that connected to a chain to spin the gear. The chain connected to a steam engine that was made to have a close system. The steam would boil, travel through the rotating mechanism, travel through the pipe that would cool it down back to water and once enough water was collected in the bason, get dumped back into the boiler through the one-way valve. Making the hundred-pound hammer move up and down in rapid succession at eighty strikes at minute. To the lay man that might sound like much since a smith can easily strike faster in a minute. But a smith can’t strike with the same force each time and maintain that pace for long periods of time since their arm would get tired an lose accuracy.

Jack double checked on the hammer, the foot pedals and the dials to make sure it all worked properly. With the kind of pressure, the steam engine would produce he wasn’t going to risk it exploding and flash cooking someone. He already made three others when making his power tools. It was just the power hammer’s engine was more dangerous since it was much larger. If something that big blew up then it would hurt more than a little compared to the others.

After checking the third time the make sure everything fit together, he had Frizzy move to the other side of the tower and take cover. The moment he activated the boiling mechanism for the engine he dove for cover to wait as the engine to pressurize.

At first nothing happened.

After a minute passed, with nothing to show for the hammer’s activation, Jack peeked from above his cover. Waiting for something to happened. Watching the pressure gage to see if anything hanged.

“Did it work?” Frizzy called out from her own corner of safety.

“No…” Jack said feeling a little braver and came out from cover. “No, it doesn’t look like it. Something went wrong.” He sighed, approaching the engine and turned the pressure release valve.

When he turned the valve a jet of pressurized steam shot out. Hissing angrily with the air becoming very foggy in short order. Before he knew it the air around him became saturated. Leaving his cloths damp and clinging to his metallic bones.

“Teacher! Are you ok?” Frizzy shouted before jumping out from cover.

“Yeah!” Jack answered back, silently curing himself since the safety release didn’t work and the pressure gage wasn’t working. “Just annoyed and very moist.”

“Ugh, don’t say that word!” Frizzy shuttered. “It’s gross and makes my skin crawl.”

“What word?” Jack said, leaving the pressure release open and making sure the heating element of the engine was off. “and don’t get too close. The air over here is extremely hot.”

“Moist.” Frizzy muttered with a shutter. “I hate that word.”

“Moist?” Jack said, making Frizzy involuntarily shiver again.

“Will you stop it!” Frizzy growled with some heat. “That word is so gross. It brings up nasty images every time I hear it.”

Jack snickered before he flipped the lever to the container with cool water back into the engine. Ensuring that no one got burned by accident. Especially Frizzy’s students since they were a very curious bunch. Something he absolutely loved about them, even if I often lead many of them to some mishaps.

“If it’s any consolation, I hate the word perfection.” Jack offered while going to the clothing rack to take his work apron off and put on his work jacket. “The very idea of it disgusts me.”

“I don’t understand, teacher.” Frizzy said was she took off her own work apron and put on a jacket as well. “Why would you of all people hate perfection? We’ve been working on your newest project for almost three months and each time we get a break through you used that word constantly.”

Jack pulled over a clipboard from a nearby table. Looking over the resource inventory for Frizzy’s crafting classes. Noticing that they were going to need a few thousand pounds of tin and copper. The next page showed that the flesh molders were also going to need more plant matter and body matter for them to build their hive den. Looks like he had a lot of summoning and spawning to do later.

“Well… hmmm.” Jack hummed as he looked over the notes. “Maybe saying I ‘hate’ the word ain’t exactly right. It’s more like I hate the idea of perfection. If something is perfect then that’s it. A dead end, nothing new to learn, no boundary to push, no further growth. I honestly can’t think of anything more horrible. I fully support the idea of chasing the impossible and exploring the unknow. But achieving perfection… no. In my opinion that is a fate worse than death.”

Jack looked over his notes, continuing to make plans for what he needed do for the day. Unaware that Frizzy was looking at her teacher with admiration and contentment. For the times he played the fool and moody madman, she appreciated these moments where he would slip. Showing that he was a much deeper thinker and wiser than he lets on.

“Teacher, since you are sharing your thoughts. Can I ask you another question?” Frizzy asked, walking over to the work table to retrieve the blueprints for the power hammer to go over later.

“Ha! You just did.” Jack laughed, using a quill to write notes on the clipboard. “Besides, you know I’ll answer just about anything you ask. What’s on your mind my favorite pain in the butt?”

“Do you ever think about the bodies we’ve been experimenting with?” Frizzy asked while writing down some notes.

In truth… it had been something that had bothered her for some time. Yes, the bodies were summoned ones. Technically they were never alive. They never had lives nor did they have anyone that once knew them. By all accounts they were blank slates. She could understand cutting up monsters and had been involved in the dissections of both. She did them, learned a great deal and even made her own designs for prosthetic limbs from her studies. Yet… she couldn’t help but feel bothered by dissecting the bodies Jack summoned. Then there was the fact that it frustrated her that it bothered her.

“Sometimes.” Jack answered, double checking his notes before putting the clipboard down. “Buuuuuuut, I have a feeling there is more to that question then you’re letting on. Come on Frizzy, if you want a straight answer you got to ask straight questions. What’s on your mind?”

Frizzy took a breath to stall and gather her thoughts. Trying to find the best way to ask. Ultimately giving up and taking her teacher’s advice to heart.

“Teacher… does it sometimes bother you when we dissect the bodies?” Frizzy asked.

Jack paused at this question. It was a much more serious topic then he initially thought it would be. Looking closer, he could see that she was hiding how much it bothered her. The look in her eye and her face said it all. He cursed himself for not noticing it sooner.

“Frizzy I think we need to have a talk.” Jack said making the poor girl wince. “It’s nothing bad but it is serious. Follow me.”

Jack led frizzy to the back of the workshop where their latest project laid motionless. A white sheet covering the body with no sighs of it having been moved recently. When they both stood next to the work table with the body, Jack pulled the sheet down to the shoulders of the body. Revealing the cadaver was that of a woman. Surgical cuts crisscrossed the cadaver’s skin that were stitched shut were visible everywhere along with a thick mane of hair. The expression was peaceful with their eyes shut, giving the appearance of someone who was just deep asleep.

“Tell me Frizzy, had you not seen me spawn the body, would you say there is much difference between this body and the body of an adventurer who died in the dungeon?” Jack asked, looking at the body with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Their features are plain, but no… I wouldn’t know the difference between the two.” Frizzy admitted as she too stared at the body.

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“Alright,” Jack nodded. “In terms of appearance, there is really not much difference besides one looks more boring. Since you know one of spawned and another was made the old-fashioned way, can you tell me any other difference between the two?”

At the question, Frizzy grew thoughtful. Taking some time to consider the body in front of her. Jack for his part just waited. Taking second to move his consciousness around his dungeon. Examining the adventurers who were currently exploring the first and second layer.

In the three months since Omnus went to investigate the Adventurer town, it took a month before they finally started to explore the second layer. The results were everything Jack had hoped for. They were exploring the buildings, looking for traps, and fighting the bobs as expected. Then the first group arrived at the gate, Jack and all the dungeon residents had a good laugh when they couldn’t open the door. What made it even funnier was they had the entry key from when the first boss the first time. Only they had left it back at the town and went around the boss this time. They spent a good hour trying to breach the door. And for their efforts they managed to break the stone door only to be exhausted afterwards. Forcing them turn back. The second group was much the same thing except they didn’t burn themselves out trying to force their way through. Instead, they tried to find a hidden lever, which was something he was absolutely make later. It was the fourth group that managed to get inside using the key from the first boss fight. Their rection to seeing the second layer was priceless.

When they saw the ruined buildings took a moment to actually stand there and fully take in what they saw.

Partially collapsed or burned buildings. Ruined streets could have at one time been smooth and beautiful. Piles of rubble that could have once been someone’s home or maybe a statue. A fountain with scummy water with broken pottery and heavily rusted cups attached the fountain’s base. Then there were the ‘ancient’ dwarven and elven sets of armor left here and there at random with the appropriate skeletons in side them. Some of which got up and would try and fight the adventures.

The first group that made their way into the second layer took notes and made their way back to share their findings. The groups that followed began to really explore what the layer had to offer. Exploring buildings, ruins and looking over any books they could find. The tin constructs were an instant hit and proved to be a good challenge for the adventurers. They might have been small but they were strong. Jack still snickered when he saw an adventurer tried to challenge on that was ‘damaged’ by throwing a dagger at it. What that guy hoped to accomplish, Jack still didn’t know. But that punch to the groin in response was absolutely hilarious. Lucky for the adventurer with the squashed grapes they found the healing spring soon after.

With that discovery, they stared to really search the second layer. Hungry for more discoveries and in short order found the Alchemical shop and the Traveler’s Inn. So far no one found the tressure vault but that was fine. what was even better was then they found the ‘Inn Keeper’. Now that had been a day.

Coming back from his reminiscing, Jack found that Frizzy was still considering the question. Really thinking it over until she looked back at him.

“One was a live other wasn’t?” Frizzy asked more than stated.

“You’re not wrong. But ultimately, they’re both dead. What else?” Jack asked.

“One has a past and the other doesn’t?”

“They both have a story behind them. One is just a lot shorter than the other.”

“Then… one is…” Frizzy started to say, struggling to think of something else.

“Not much difference is there?” Jack asked while pulling the sheet back up over the body. “Do you ever wonder why after each experiment and dissection I make sure their eyes are closed then immediately have them reabsorbed?”

Frizzy thought for a moment while Jack patiently waited. When she shook her head, he continued.

“The reason I do that is because they are people. Spawned? Yes. Ever alive? No, they weren’t. Could they have been alive under different circumstances? Maybe. Bottom line though they are people. That means they deserve some dignity so I do leave them to fester or on display.” Jack said feeling an inkling of fuzzy memory, a fragment really. The words of the obscure person though were clear enough and Jack agreed with them so he’ll share them with frizzy.

“The body is a vessel. A living machine that houses the person inside. When that spirit is gone, all you are left with is the shell.” Jack said, leaning his hip on the work table. “Yes, we are taking them apart to learn and invent. But that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve respect and dignity.”

Frizzy considered his words while Jack sat there. Waiting to see if she had any further questions.

“I don’t think you answered my question.” Frizzy said look at him with a hint of a grin.

“Fair enough.” Jack nodded then looked back at body on the work table. “A little. Not so much that it is a ‘body’ but because they could have been a person.” Jack said as he placed a boney hand on the body’s head respectfully. “The face they could have been a person means they deserve to be treated better than a pocket watch. And that is why, in my own way, I put them to rest in my own way.”

“Thank you, Teacher. That helped put things in perspective.” Frizzy said, now looking at the body in a new light.

Before she could say anything else, Shol’theran The Fleshsmith entered the workshop through the lift. The Zur'keth walked to them both with their antenna twitching excitedly. Each step was full of purpose until he came to stop at a respectful distance in front of them both.

"H.hello, Ancient One, and greetings to First Disciple Frizzy of the esteemed Grayroot Clan. This one carries an important question. Most important indeed.” Shol’theran said eagerly, practically hopping from foot to foot. The caressing of their hand though gave away that they were nervous.

Jack couldn’t help but enjoy their excitement since it was absolutely infectious.

“By all means. Hells, everyone should know by now they are welcome to ask me questions.” Jack said cheerily. “What’s on your mind?”

Shol’theran nodded eagerly while their antenna twitched anxiously.

“The hive leaders have spoken, and all are in harmony. Ancient One, we humbly ask to become full residents of your great dungeon, to bear the same sacred mark as our gremlin neighbors, who have become... our most cherished friends."

Attention!

You have received a request from the [Deep Wander Hive] to become Dungeon residents.

You have been asked by Shol’theran to accept their hive as residents within your dungeon. Each member of the [Deep Wander Hive] will be granted special privileges that adventures will not be able to enjoy. All residents will be have a special mark to designate they are can enjoy these privileges.

Such privileges include:

1. Mob command: Residents will have a limited level of command over a nearby mob that hasn’t been given orders by the dungeon master.

2. Aura of Protection: While in the dungeon, residents who are attacked will be protected by the dungeon mobs and will sacrifice themselves in order to protect the resident.

3. Dungeon’s Favor: Residents of the dungeon can earn points overtime or completely tasks for the dungeon. These points are used to purchase special perks, such as temporary buffs, unique items, or summoning powerful mobs to aid them in battle. These favors represent the dungeon’s appreciation for the resident’s contributions.

4. Dungeon Map: The resident is provided a mental map of the dungeon, allowing them to navigate and locate resources within the dungeon.

5. Safe Passage: All people who are marked as a resident can travel in and out of the dungeon without fear of being attack by mobs.

6. Special Access: Resident can have special access to areas of the dungeon that is otherwise inaccessible, restricted, needs certain requirements met. This access is only limited by what the Dungeon Master grants to either all residents as a whole or specific residents.

Attention!

Conditions required!

Quest

As above, so Below

In order for the [Deep Wander Hive] to truly become residents of the dungeon, there must be a place best suited for their living conditions. While they are able to live above ground, they are most at home underground and need a place to make truly their own.

Reward:

[Zur’keth] becomes new Dungeon Residents, 210 Dungeon Upgrade points

Accept the quest?

Yes/No

If Jack had a face in that moment, he would have been grinning like a mad man.

Last he checked, the dungeon upgrade would make it so he could start developing underground was around one hundred upgrade points. With the reward he’d still be making a hundred and ten points. Perfectly acceptable loss since the Zur’keth had been great residents and became as thick as thieves with the gremlins.

Jack accepted the quest without a second thought.

“You are all welcome to become residents.” Jack declared while Frizzy practically tackled Shol’theran in a hug. “Before the hive can become full residents, I have to complete a quest to make sure you have a good home to call your own.”

Shol’theran profusely thanked Jack, praising him and the honor it was to be with an ancient again. Frizzy was also very happy by the whole arrangement practically ordering him to tell he what to do so that they can get the quest done sooner. Jack for his part only reassured them that by tomorrow he would have everything ready and the Zur’keth hive would become official residents by then.

When everyone had calmed down and Jack was about to have them restart their efforts for the experiment, a new notification appeared in his vision.

Attention!

New quest available!

Quest

Stand against the horde

An army of unknown enemies gathers. Their number, unknown. Enemy type, unknown. Their intentions, Evil. Their target, the adventurer’s town at the edge of the dungeon.

Defend the town, destroy the army.

Time till the invaders arrive:

5 days

Reward:

2,000 Dungeon Upgrade Points

Three new mobs

New Mob Type

Consequences:

Refuse and the town maybe destroyed. Dungeon residents will be at risk of being killed/corrupted by malignment forces.

Accept the quest?

Yes/No

After reading the alert, Jack felt a chill run up his spine.

Fractured images of horror flickered through his mind. People screaming and dying. Dead laying in the street and people being butchered. Invaders taking sick glee in tormenting the helpless.

No... Jack thought to himself, cold giving him focus. I won’t allow it.

With plans upon plans now running though his mind, Jack accepted the quest.

“Frizzy, bring me Aegisthal and Omnus,” Jack ordered turning back to the experiment on the table. They should be here for when their sister wakes up.